"Battlefield Labs: Pre-Release Game Testing for Players"

Battlefield Studios has launched Battlefield Labs, an innovative platform designed to foster collaboration between the gaming community and developers. This initiative aims to shape the future of the Battlefield series by involving players directly in the development process. Dive deeper to discover how this community-driven approach is set to transform the gaming landscape.

Battlefield Labs Unveiled, Promoting Collaboration Between Community and Developers

Players Will Have a More Direct Influence on Future Battlefield Games

On February 3, 2025, Battlefield Studios, in partnership with Electronics Art (EA), introduced Battlefield Labs—a pioneering effort to co-create future Battlefield games with player input. This platform allows both players and developers to experiment with and refine game concepts, mechanics, and features.

The announcement emphasized that the upcoming Battlefield game is entering a crucial development stage where community collaboration will play a pivotal role. Players will be integral to the process, testing new features and mechanics firsthand.

Battlefield Studios plans to invite a select group of players from Europe and North America to participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs. Although an exact launch date hasn't been set, interested players can sign up at this link.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "This game has so much potential. To unlock that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the perfect time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch. Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to do that."

While not every player will be able to participate directly in Battlefield Labs, Battlefield Studios has promised to keep the broader community informed with regular updates throughout the testing phase. This ensures that everyone can stay engaged with the development process. The studio also plans to extend this collaborative approach to future Battlefield titles.

"Battlefield Studios is comprised of DICE, the creators of the Battlefield franchise; Ripple Effect, a studio led by franchise veterans working on a new experience for the series; Motive, developers of the critically acclaimed Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space; and Criterion, known for their world-class racing franchises and contributions to several Battlefield entries."

Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs

Participants in Battlefield Labs won't have access to the entire game. Instead, they'll get to experience "different pieces of an unfinished puzzle" that will allow the studio to incorporate player feedback into the final product. Battlefield Studios has outlined the specific mechanics and features that will be tested during this community collaboration.

"We will start by testing the pillars of play, such as core combat and destruction," explained Battlefield Studios. "Then, we'll move on to balance and feedback for our weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, ultimately leading to how these elements integrate within our maps, modes, and squad play." The testing will also include two existing modes: Conquest and Breakthrough, where players can explore new ideas to enhance these modes.

In Conquest mode, players engage in large-scale battles to capture Control Points (flags) from enemy teams. Each team starts with a set number of tickets, and the first team to deplete their tickets loses. Tickets decrease when a team member respawns or when the enemy holds more flags.

Breakthrough mode assigns teams as attackers or defenders. Attackers aim to capture sectors on the map, while defenders try to block their progress. Similar to Conquest, a ticket system is in place, but attackers can replenish their tickets by securing a sector. Additionally, eliminating remaining enemy soldiers after securing a sector awards an extra three tickets.

Battlefield Studios is also keen on refining the class system for future Battlefield games. Although proud of the current progress, the team values player feedback highly. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel," they stated.